I easily put this in my top 5 McCartney albums. It was an effort to stretch himself and there are some very memorable tunes including 'Stranglehold' which has great verses (the chorus is ho-hum). Besides Townshend & Alomar the album has Eddie Rayner (Split Enz), Phil Collins and Ray Cooper. The CD has 3 respectable bonus tracks 'Write Away,' 'It's Not True' and 'Tough on a Tightrope.' This album deserves better recognition, even Paul pretends it doesn't exist.
I always wondered why you had this on your wall in a recent video you posted. Now I know as McCartney signed it. I knew you were not fond of the album so it always perplexed me. Great to know the reason. I must be getting old to be watching a review on Press to Play done six years ago. Happy New Year when it comes.
So pleased to see this review is mostly positive. Lol. I like it as well and think people hate on it just because it has become an easy target. Only track I dislike is Angry. Good review and take care mate
I've never heard McCartney disowning this album, however Hugh Padgham, the producer totally did. I don't know if you ever read the interview he gave but it is quite disheartening to read in that you wonder why he accepted the job if after McCartney gave him the demos of the tracks he intended for the album prior to recording, Padgham thought it was the worst songs he had ever heard and was quite surprised at how Paul could even think they had any worth. He thought working with McCartney would be an interesting experience but did not know what to do with the songs. Hence the invitation extended to Phil Collins who was originally suggested to McCartney as a producer. As a result the album has a very mid-80s feels and sound which may not sit very well with McCartney's material, however at the time I was overjoyed to hear that the drummer was from Peter Gabriel's band (Jerry Marrotta) who I'd always held in high esteem. My favourite tracks on the lp are Goodtimes Coming/Feel the Sun, Talk More Talk, Footprints and Only Love Remain. I also think Pretty Little Head should have been an instrumental as the lyrics are pretty naff but has quite interesting instrumentation (although coming from Paul it's not always a surprise ;) ) All in all, i didn't think it was too bad an album at the time but I don't think it's got better with age. I hardly ever touch it these days...
I have the gatefold, with the early mix of Press. I love most of the album - it’s a very striking production, with some really modern (for 1986) tech. Stranglehold has to be my ultimate Macca deep cut - it’s brilliant! I also love Goodtimes Coming / Feel The Sun, Footprints and Only Love Remains. However, Angry has to be the highlight of side 2 - Phil Collins’ drumming is stellar, as is the attitude - I wish Macca had done more spiky post-punk stuff a la Back To The Egg!
i was just listening to this little odd McCartney LP, earlier this evening, and then suddenly realised that, throughout "Press To Play", we get some of the most inventive moments, real bursts of creativity, from Paul in the 80's. in short, i'd argue that songs like "However Absurd", "Good Times Coming/Feel The Sun", or even "Footprints", carry some pretty dignifying attributes - in the realm of studio experimentation.
To me, this is another experimental album from Paul....trying out new ideas/sounds, etc. Just trying to get through the shit that was the 1980s. Radio's being eaten away by swamp rats (especially in the States) and the great ones are trying to figure out what to do to stay relevant. That being said, there are some good songs on this album. I, too, loved However Absurd. I just really enjoyed the experimental feel of this album as a whole. Is it his best? No. Why? Because he hasn't passed away....Yet. He's still achieving and moving forward. A good example of that: Egypt Station. Is it his best? Song by song, probably not, but it is his most concise album when it comes to track by track. Everything fits in the right place. That being said, Press to Play is a decent album. He's trying things even if they do unfortunately come out as sounding 1980's. I'd listen to any of these songs over Say Say Say any day day day.
John, some people put this album down because they said it sounds like the 80's, that is because that was when it was from. Some nice gems on this. I thought some of the songs were rushed and could have been done better. I really like Stranglehold, Distractions, Only Love Remains and my favorite Press. Great review!
Hi John, I just listened for the first time to Press. I like it, overall! (Sometimes it is good to be without the 'standard Paul discography prejudices':) But I write this comment especially because Paul surprises me, again, with a wonderful piano ballad: Only Love Remains. As I understand here, you like it, but don't love it. For me now it is, with distance, easily the most favorite track on this cd. Wonderful melody and chords, well done again Paul!! :-) nice arrangement, with the acoustic guitar swirling throughout the song, nice pacing, nice strings, wonderful voice, nice ending also with this "wistling guitar high note" at the very last second! I only do not really like the 80s sound of it, especcially the drums. But overall, I like this more then, for example, Flowers in the Dirt! (Although My Brace Face remains a real big favorite of mine!) Btw I just uploaded my piano solo cover of Know Who You Are and Even in the Quietest Moments... :-)
simonvanthoff it’s probably the best song on the album although not much appreciated at the time....he could play this one live without much difficulty. Would be good hear such obscurities!
Hi John, great review of an interesting album. Certainly among McCartney's more experimental and risky works, yes not every song is a winner but I think it holds together well. I just wish some of the 12" b sides were on the album such as tough on a tightrope and it's not true as those are better than angry and only love remains
Ross Goodall thanks Ross yeah I like the extra tracks on the 12 inch singles but they are a bit uneven too...good in places for sure! Back on my feet is the best song from the 86/87 era imo...cheers
You'll be glad to know I won't be able to comment on this one, John, because I've never listened to it. But I'm afraid my opinion would be similar to what it is for most of McCartney's solo work so it's just as well. But no matter the record, your reviews are always of a superlative nature!! Cheers!
John Heaton Hey John, I forgot to mention, I've ordered "Communique." You didn't steer me wrong with Dire Straits' debut album so I decided to take the plunge with their second one as well. They'll forever be known as my "John Heaton records." 😉 Take care.
This is the last McCartney album I made it a point to purchase shortly after release. Nothing I have heard since by him has inspired me to do so. I recall I rather liked it, but has probably been almost 25-30 years since I’ve dusted it off. Perhaps I shall, soon. For the record, I think McCartney hit his creative low mark in the 80’s, particularly with the dreadful ‘Spies Like Us’ single. *shudder*
Nice review of a much maligned album Mr Heaton. You're pretty much right on with this review. Still, I like the album. Listened to it over and over back in '87. Not great, but not as bad as it often gets ripped. Very, very 80's sounding album with Padgham producing it. I think after Pipes of.... and Broadstreet Paul was a bit lost and trying to find that sound that would put him at the top. Unfortunately, as you mentioned, outside of a few tracks, the songs overall are a bit weak and lackluster. I see this album along with McCartney II as his predecessors to his Fireman albums; somewhat out there and experimental, and, as you put it, brave. Always thought the song "Press" should have opened the album. And yes, the video to this track is fun. It's funny how good Paul looked back then in this video with his slowly greying salt and pepper hair. I wish Paul would just let his hair go naturally grey these days. He looks silly with his dyed hair being 76 years old. Another thing I thought was silly is the cover to this album. It's a very nicely done photo but I just don't know how it fits with the album. I would have preferred the image of him in the studio used as the cover shot for the "Press" single. Would've been nice for you to review the b-sides from the singles, Tough as Tightrope, It's not True, and Write Away. Again, nice review. By the way, love your clear rimmed sunglasses. Would love to find me a pair.
Eric Stewart's career should be re-evaluated. First of all he opened Strawberry Studios in Stockport which was one of the first commercial studios outside of London and then he was a leading light in one of the most innovative bands ever 10cc. His musicianship was exceptional just take a look at the Feel the Benefit video and his production and engineering skills top notch. Unfortunately his career (and 10cc's) came to a grinding halt after his near fatal car accident in 1979 . He definitely lost his impetus. At least he pushed McCartney in a different direction on this album and if he was allowed to produce it without Padgham the record would have been more successful . Gouldman is going round taking all the plaudits for 10cc but the fact is after Eric's accident the band stalled proving Eric's input was invaluable being the leading light not only in the band but the 70's as a whole. The man deserves a lot more credit than he gets.
Nice review John. I have tried over the years to get on board with this album but never really succeded. Your video has given me a nudge to give it another listen to see if time has changed my mind. On a related matter I'm currently enjoying the book Man on the Run - McCartney in the 70's. A bit of a page turner, have you read it?
I bought it when it came out and at the time I thought it was bold and modern for Macca. Today I think Pretty Little Head and Good Times Coming are about the only things I enjoy on it
Hi John, I was waiting for you to say that Eddie Rayner played some keyboards on this album. Eddie was of course the keyboardist with "Split Enz", the most famous band from New Zealand (where I'm from). he also played in "Crowded House" with fellow former Enzer Neil Finn. You should check out Crowded House, quite beatlesque in some ways....
Instead of Angry he should have included Spies Like Us. That song went top ten in the US, and it’s presence would have given the album a much needed hit. There were also extra songs on the CD. What did you think of those? As I recall I think I preferred one or two of them to several of the tracks on the regular album. I should go back and listen to them though.
Hi John. I agree with most if not all of your review. This album is quite similar I think to Red Rose Speedway in the sense that it represents him at a possibly low-ebb confidence wise. The material is not bad at all, and definitely does not deserve the kicking it routinely gets. By the time token, none of it is top drawer really. I agree that Eric Stewart was no replacement for Denny Laine. From what I've read about this album, its production was dogged by numerous personal issues, and Paul's head was clouded with pot to a large degree. The album does not deserve either its broader reputation, or being completely ignored by its creator. For what it's worth, I've always loved the bonus CD track Write Away.
Interesting as always John. As an avid fan I had high hopes at the time for some new material but was disappointed, and I think this sits only just above what I think is his worst ever album - Pipes of Peace - in the scheme of things. The 80's were a low point for Paul - maybe not touring didn't help, though one understands his reluctance at the time. Hiring Padgham was a mistake as the 80's production dates the collection to its detriment. I know some fans are waiting for it to be re-appraised as having been unjustifiably maligned at the time but I don't think it will ever enjoy the rehabilitation some of Paul's 70's work has more latterly achieved.
Thank you for the review. For me it is in my Top 5 McCartney solo albums easily. Way better than the majority of Wings albums or the follow up Flowers in the Dirt. But just my opinion, of course.
A lot of people for some reason don't like this lp . I bot it the day it came out and said to my friends . Wow this is the lp he is going out on tour there a lot of good rockers on this lp and I would love to here Paul do some of these good songs live . !!!! I think that it is so net that you met Paul and had him sine your lp wow John . Nice revue on this lp so take care .
I was just thinking, you had the chance to change history for the good of mankind and you blew it! When Macca asked about the album you should have said ''It's crap, what are you playing at? When are you gonna write some good stuff, like the old day? HUH?'' and he would of listened and made an album better than Flowers!!
Another good one John! This album gets unfair trashings! It's not his best, but certainly not his worst. ''However Absurd'' is also my favorite from this one.
Always liked this album. Stronger to me than Pipes of Peace or the Broadstreet soundtrack. Following those two, this was a breath of fresh air. I’m a huge fan of Hugh Padgham’s production work in the 80s (even though it’s all dated now) and there are many songs on this I still appreciate like Stranglehold, Good Times Coming/Feel the Sun, Footprints, However Absurd, Press. Side two lags, but overall I still rank this higher than some of his more critically-acclaimed albums like Chaos and Creation or New.
Great review. I've always said that the bootleg "Alternate Press to Play" is so much better. This version your showing was way over produced. Eric was not much help. I did play the shit out of this album when it came out and your so right when you say it's better than "Broad street". Not one of pauls best but i don't hate it.
Completely agree I always think it's over produced. I don't think McCartney was happy with it because the single versions differed so much. I would love to hear the songs stripped back without the 80s production. I didn't know there was an alternative. I will have to try and find a copy!
Press To Play gets a lot of flack. I like it though. It goes down in my personal history as the first time I bought a new McCartney album on CD in 1986. It's underrated, very 80s, but still has the McCartney charm that I listen for in every one of his albums.
I don’t think he had much of a sense of direction at this point. Paul Simon had Graceland out in the same year. The sound of someone reinvigorated with songs that are about something!
I don’t mind this album; not his best but definitely fairly enjoyable. Much like some of Bowie’s 80s output (Never Let Me Down) it shows a great artist no longer leading the way but instead following the trends of the day, with enjoyable music in isolation but weak compared to their 70s classics.
Funny but I was thinking of you today when I was reminiscing about the London Town album (which is Wings at their most sickly, and yet a very easy album to hear from start to finish), anyhow just tuned in to see you've finally released a review to this monstrosity, I guess we are about the same age and although at the time Macca could do no wrong in my eyes, this album stopped my love for Macca in its tracks (forgiving the singles Spies like us and Once Upon a long ago around the same time). He had pushed me too far, I was blind to Pipes of Peace's short comings, I even liked Broad street ...but this one, I HATED, I listened to it once and never again. You are too nice about it.....check Mr Mayo's treatment of this garbage, it really is only fit for the bin!
In my opinion.. This is an album from a time in music where technology was ballooning in terms of instruments AND recording production... It made for an inspiring moment for musicians but suffers because the production itself is very dark and cold. The production itself may be one of the best 'sounding' McCartney albums he's done but it definitely dated this album right out of the bin. For me, it feels more like an experiment where Paul was inspired by the 'sound' of the times, but not necessarily musically or in a song-writing sense.
Hi John, Just checked out on YT the 12inch mix of Pretty Little Head you mention and agree its much better than the album mix...Great to discover this as its always been my fave track on this under par album...Good Times is a great Macca pop track too.. Feel the Sunshine could have made a great song in its own right instead of being tagged on the end of good times..Mean Mr Mayos video review of this is funny..
We all have a different view. However having all his work this is my least favourite. Seems way overproduced smothering the songs and even at the time was obvious it would date badly which it has. I feel Paul let go the reigns to much - trying to follow trends which he above others doesn’t need to do.
I would have liked to hear more of Eric Stewart's vocals on these tunes. If Paul had sung some duets with Eric I think this album would've sounded far better. Eric is just lost in the mix. Eric Stewart and Hugh Padgham didn't get along at all. Hugh put a knife in Stewart's back and poisoned McCartney towards Eric, which was a bloody shame because I believe if any other producer had been involved we'd have heard Eric's voice a bit more. I see it as a good album that missed out on just how good Eric and Paul could've worked and sounded together. Padgham was a real S.O.B.!
"Angry" is leagues above "Used to be Bad" that McCartney and Steve Miller did years later on 1997's Flaming Pie. On "Angry" he sounds playful and quite frivolous. On the latter, it sounds at though he's never been bad in his life. (Or maybe it's that I'm not a big Steve Miller fan).
I've never heard this entire album - three things have, in the past, discouraged me from purchasing it - First, the lackluster quality of his previous two releases, "Pipes Of Peace", (which has since grown on me somewhat), and "Give My Regards...,which has not.. Second, my disappointment, at the time, with the "Press" single, with it's now dated production values, and forced melody and lyrics, and lastly, the front cover, which always struck me as somewhat pretentious, and pompous - also seems incongruous to have such an old fashioned forties Hollywood type photo on such a blatantly eighties album.. what do you think John?....Nice review.
Thomas Calden thanks Thomas yeah mixed feelings about the cover... nice but really in tune with the record.... but at least he didn't succumb to the bright colours of the 80s like stones dirty work cover or Colin baker dr who! Production could definitely benefited from a lighter touch on the title track especially
....I take it back - I've since played the single,("Press"), and I've suddenly taken a liking to that song - who knows, maybe I'll become a fan of the album..
Thomas Calden great... I remember John hammel saying that the original mixes of this album were much less cluttered..so maybe we need an archive release to compare!
...Hi there..see you're enjoying the sun..I assume you are abroad lol....I've been enjoying your articulate summarising of the Beatles...and other bands albums......just to say I can recommend another channel by Troubleclef for his acoustic renditions of Beatles and other artists songs with his own great arrangements.....he no longer posts but the videos are still there....just bought a second hand edition of Revolution In The Head after your qualified recommendation....looking forward to some controversial comments in the book.....anyway keep up the good work....
I also feel that Good Times Coming/Feel the Sun is the highlight. I like Footprints too. But the rest are awful. I thought Paul was finished musically after this outing, he bounced back with Flowers and then again with Chaos.
Tony Garratt yeah and memory almost full too...I love the idea of however absurd but although starting off well it doesn’t quite come off as a track (another too long ending which Paul is notorious for)
You mean you felt he was finished musically after Memory Almost Full or bounced back with Memory Almost Full? :-) I thought Memory Almost Full was over produced - sounded absolutely awful with songs spoilt by too much reverb. I must go through all your reviews, since you are obviously a huge fan of the Beatles. Myself, I think Paul's last good solid (no fillers, good lyrics, good songs, good production) was Tug of War. After that, the overall album quality went down and down, with Press to Play onw of the low points. IMHO, the best album since Tug of War was Chaos and Creation in the Backyard and it can be no coincidence that producer Nigel Godrich on that album only recorded songs that he personally liked. In other words, he basically dared to say to Paul "That song is sh1t - go and write some more". And its rumoured that George Martin did the same with Tug of War. Flowers and Flaming Pie were good albums after Tug of War; the rest of the albums post Tug of War I cannot listen to all the way through. Yet I love so many of his albums from the 70s......
Tony Garratt no I think he still has it in him even now occasionally...just that I think memory is more interesting than chaos which was a bit long and sandy....and I am put off by fine line and even more so by English yes....but maybe we would agree that his 70s work was his peak
Paul McCartney had a very bad period in the mid 80´s. I`m really glad he recovered. But this album is terrible.. There`s a couple of decent tracks on here as always. Paul is always able to at least write one decent song on each album. "Only love remains" is a good track, the title track is quite and "Stranglehold" is not so bad.
I also just could not get into the album. I only enjoyed Only Love Remains, Press, and one other one that I can't recall, even when looking at the track listings!
Con el Wild Life, MccCartney II y este, son los peores albumnes de Paul Mccarney de todo su catalogo musical hasta al menos el año 2000. Realmente son malos discos.
